ABSTRACT
Needs and wants in a relationship can be complex because they change over time. When working with pre-marital couples, it is important to teach them how to clearly identify and work toward meeting needs and wants. For each couple that comes into pre-marital counseling, it is important for clinicians to guide individuals in how to identify their personal needs and effectively communicate the information with their partners. In pre-marital counseling, there are a few goals clinicians should focus on regarding needs and wants. This chapter discusses the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow's hierarchy describes the various needs people have in their lives. At the base of the pyramid are physiological needs such as food, water, sex, sleep. The chapter explains the few skills that can help one achieve the goals with their clients. It talks about cognitive restructuring that involves identifying common cognitive distortions and challenging those negative thinking patterns.
